SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 25314, 18 June 1935, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Ashburton County R.C. Winter meeting acceptances will be taken this Evening. The Napier Park Racing Club Winter meeting is due on Thursday and Saturday. Minerval appeared to be badly injured when he fell at Timaru on Saturday. Rebel Lad and Guarantee were the only first selections to score at S.C.J.C. fixture. W. Kitto sustained an injured arm when Velvet fell at S.C.'J.C’s. meeting. The running of Gay Blonde and Gay Sheik in an Australian campaign will be of interest. Siegmund, by Siegfried from Lili—mond, is Trentham’s most promising colt youngster racer. Gay Blonde and Company may return from Sydney for the Auckland Spring meeting. West Australian Derby and St. Leger winner, Hyperion, is to race in Victoria again. At Trfjitham E. Simpson is handling a filly by Captain Bunsby from Degage. There are fewer yearlings prepared at Trentham than for many seasons past. Beaten at H.B.J.C. meeting, 'Werohia and Curie are marked off for early improved form. Gold Cure is being selected in the North Island as likely to display successful jumping ability. L. J. Ellis is stated to have ridden a very nice race in scoring on Hunting Go at Washdyke. Air Laddie, who broke down in Hawkes Bay Hurdles Race, may be a case for the pistol. A yearling colt by Hunting Song from defunct mare Warstep should be worth a large price. Seventh selection, Blue Spark, carried £65 10/- when he won Wai-iti Trot Handicap at Timaru. Aged gelding Witui, second in Pareora Steeplechase at Timaru on Saturday, is by Southlander Songbird. Night Parade and Waitui, first and second in the S.C.J.C. Steeplechase, are trained by J. E. Shaw, Washdyke. Several Southland owners will be interested to note that the D.J.C. classic stakes have been increased. Derby winner Bahram traces back on the female side to the strain of defunct N.Z. sire Obligado. Bred in the purple, but a racecourse disappointment, Lady Zephyr is to be sent to the stud. Ex-Invercargillite H. R. Telford has had an exasperating run of seconds in hurdle- races with Menelik. If he can stay three miles, Menelik is well in V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles under 9.10. Dozie, who raced well between the flags at Hastings last week, comes from a family of national jumpers. The dividend barometer was in use at the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club’s meeting last week. Possessed of pace and a good jumper, Travelling Agent promises to win a big hurdle race shortly. It is anticipated that Valpeen will be better suited by the big country in N.Z. National Steeplechase. Mixing hurdle racing and steeplechasing at Auckland may have been all against Valpeen. With Gold Knight, Adult, and Rasouli under his care, E. J. Ellis holds a strong hurdling hand. It is a case of near and yet so far with Cherry Queen in sprint essays over six furlongs. Dunmure did well to run into fourth place in the Pukaki Hurdles at Timaru on Saturday. Recent flat race and jumping event results show that Boniform mares are very valuable. Actaeon, racing as a ’chaser in Melbourne, ran unsuccessfully as a two-year-old in New Zealand. T. R. George’s pupil, Debham, is expected to grow into a useful colt for next season’s racing. Maoriland-bred ’chaser, Actaeon, by Hunting Song—Crisis, has displayed ability in Melbourne. Christchurch Times reports that the -’ -six-year-old pacing gelding Paragon, by Nelson Bingen—Bonilene, has been sold by Mr J. O’Brien to a South Australian owner. Early this season Paragon won for E. C. McDermott at Wellington. X ’ Royal Banquet, who won the Hawkes Hurdle Race on Thursday last in ■ "his first essay over the battens in pub- 1 lie, followed up this effort scoring in the Ruahawa Handicap (Im.) across the flat on the second day of the H.B. J.C. fixture. He is evidently very useful. The Moonee Valley R.C. will hold a charity meeting to-day, and Mentone Turf Club stage a fixture for Melbourne racegoers on Wednesday, but the stakes are not likely to attract the best class of Maorilanders at present racing on Victorian courses At Mentone (Melb.) course on June ’ 6, the Southlanders, Membo (J. Sulli-.-van) and First Song (0. Humphries) galloped five furlongs in I.sJ—consid-y-ered useful—first two in 26sec, and last three in 39Jsec. It can be imagined '.that Membo would skip along with Mr W. T. Hazlett’s diminutive apprentice Sullivan in the saddle. An offer of 800 guineas for the crack Queensland galloper, Rivalli, on behalf of an Indian racing man, was refused -■ - recently. For a horse of the class of ' " Rivalli a Maoriland owner would have ~ expected 3000 gns or more. There is ■' nothing modest about the ideas of New --’ Zealanders when asked to put a price Y on a racehorse for export overseas. In the absence of authentic information as to his owner’s intentions curiosity will be evinced throughout Australia as to whether the Derby winner of last season, Windsor Lad, will compete at Royal Ascot meeting this week. It is on the cards that the Blandford horse will be seen in action prior to the closing of his turf career and his retirement to the stud next season. Two meetings apart from those at which the Epsom Derby and the Don--caster-St. Leger are decided on Widely /' separated dates of the English turf period appeal to sportsmen the world

over as great racing -social functions, whereat the best horses in commission contend for many time-honoured events success in which may set the seal on the fam<=! of horses or mares and those gatherings are invariably described as the Royal Ascot and .Glorious Goodwood racing reunions. The Royal Ascot meeting opens to-day, when the Gold Vase, Ascot Stakes, and Coventry Vase (for two-year-olds) will be the chief attractions. Christchurch Times states that at the S.C.J.C. meeting on Saturday an in- , quiry'was held into the fall of Minerval in the Prince Edward Handicap. After the evidence had been heard the stewards decided that the accident happened through Epris slipping after turning into the straight. This left an apparent opening' which A. E. Ellis tried to take advantage of, but Minerval got on to the heels of Epris and fell. Minerval severely injured a shoulder and will be left at the course and another examination will be made to ascertain if he can be i saved. A. E. Ellis, rider of Minerval, badly bruised his shoulder. Beaten into second place as first favourite in both light harness events at Timaru on Saturday, Cruiser appears to be a very promising pacer and it was his manners that caused his downfall rather than his lack of ability to step fast in the straps. Owned by reinsman O. E. Hooper, he is a four-year-old gelding by Man O’ War from Ada Bell, by Adonis (son of Harold Dillon—Thelma) from Inchcape Bell, by Bellman from Valerie, by Albert Chevalier from Annie Laurie. In her day Ada Bell was a useful performer and Cruiser can therefore be classed as of excellent credentials both ways. Saturday’s defeated favourite was strongly fancied in Invercargill, advice having apparently reaejied here to the effect that Hooper’s pupil was a rod in pickle. Writing in The Australasian “Chiron” states:—“Nobody ever doubted that Mr Davis would go to the maximum of 12.7 with Redditch in the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase. Two years ago he won the race with 12.3, and last year .he was second to Woodlace carrying 12.7. Then he won the Australian Steeplechase (about 31m.) carrying 12.13, so Mr Davis naturally could not have given him less than 12.7. Nevertheless Redditch cannot be considered to be well handicapped, because he is set to give far too little weight toPrismatic in 121 b.” The quotation of these weights will give some idea here of what the champion Redditch is called upon to carry in his races. However, at latest advice he was first in order of selection for the G.N. Steeplechase and. from this fact it can be gathered what the public in Australia think of their crack, weight. , and all. The following are the conditions for the New Zealand Sires’ Produce Stakes, to be held under the jurisdiction of the Timaru Trotting Club in 1937:—The stake is £5OO, the distance is one mile and a half, and the race is for three-year-old unhoppled trotters only. The winner - will receive £3OO and a silver cup valued at £l5; second horse to receive £BO and the. third horse £4O, and the fourth horse £l5. The owner of the sire of the winning horse will receive £5O from the stake. The nomination fee for living stallions is £5. This is payable by the owner and must be made to the secretary of the Timaru Club on or before Thursday, July 18, 1935. Nominations of two-year-olds will close on Tuesday, August 27, 1935, at a fee of £l. A first forfeit of £1 will be due on March 20, 1936; a second forfeit of £2 will be due on August 28. 1936; and a final forfeit of £4 will be due on acceptance day for the meeting at which it will take place in 1937. Progeny of defunct stallions or stallion or sires gelded at date of nomination are eligible for entry without payment of stallion fees. The registration of horses is not compulsory until final payment is due. The Washdyke mentor, E. J. Ellis, produced three winners at the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s Winter meeting on Saturday in Adult (hurdles), Rebel Lad, and Hunting Go. Recognized as one of the leading trainers of the South Island, E. J. Ellis, a brother to F. W„ A. E„ A. S., and L. J. (N.Z. premier jockey) of an Otautau family, the Washdyke mentor commenced his turf career in Southland, but took service with the well-known Riccarton trainer D. Jones .for a period of about two years prior to embarking on a career as a handler of horses in training that has been marked by an ever-increas-ing total of successes from the outset. F. W. (the successful Invercargill trainer and crack horseman in his day), A. E. (noted jockey) and E. J. of Timaru, all served under F. D. Jones at C.J.C. headquarters, L. J. graduated with his elder brother F. W. and under license from the Southland R.C. The claim can reasonably be made that the five Ellis Brothers have established a reputation on the New Zealand turf that will take some beating and the end is not yet with an aggregate of successes including the preparation of classic and handicap flat winners, and the training or piloting of leading jumping event performers. Arrangements are now well in hand for the proposed trip to Australia of Mr G. Courtney’s horses, and Gay Blonde, Gay Sheik and the unnamed rising two-year-olds by Gay ShieldLady Marie and Gay Shield—Shebang are to leave next month for Sydney. They will be located at Randwick. Gay Blonde has been nominated for the Epsom and Metropolitan Handicap. Gay Sheik is among the entrants. for the former event, but ho will, if all goes well in the interim, tackle the A.J.C. Derby, run on the same day. The two youngsters are nominated for the Gimcrack Stakes, as well as other classic events at future Australian meetings. ' Gay Sheik, who raced consistently well during the present season, gave an indication that he possesses stamina when he won the North Island Challenge I Stakes over seven furlongs in March. Gay Blonde’s appearance in the Epsom Handicap should also add consid-

erable interest to this event. She was our best three-year-old performer" in the Dominion this season, and as a mile is generally considered her best distance her effort among Australia’s best should prove enlightening. Bred as they are, the two yearlings have a lot to do to uphold the traditions of their relatives. While it is too early to form any opinion as to their capabilities they are an impressive pair. In all probability they will return after the A.J.C. spring meeting, and if so they will be on hand for the classic event at Ellerslie at Christmas. With the V.R.C. Grand National fixture near at hand the results of jumping events in and around Melbourne, will convey some interest to many residents in New Zealand not unacquainted with the courses at Flemington and Caulfield shortly to bp in use for important Jeaping stakes, tinder the circumstances, the two winter events decided over battens and between the flags respectively at Williamstown on Saturday may be commented upon. The Williamstown Steeplechase, £5OO (2m.) went to Oldhome (10.12), who equalled the course record of 3.54. This time will cause Maorilanders to pause and consider when it is explained that there is nothing flimsy or easy about the fences at the centre named. Oldhome, who is in the V.R.C. G.N. Steeplechase at 10.5, has won well over - hurdles and is looked upon as likely to see the National distance of about three miles and a furlong out at Flemington. The Invercargill trained Membo was a starter in the contest, but as could only be expected at short notice,'was not in •’the picture, but he apparently got round safely. Oldhome (9.13) is also in the G.N. Hurdles (3m.). The Port Phillip Hurdles, £5OO (2m.) was won by the experienced Fulham, (9.6), who is in the G.N. Hurdles at 9.3 and G.N. Steeplechase at 9.11. He won in 3.541, which reads as quarter of a second Longer than the cross-country time of Oldhome. The batten-race winner, Fulham, is a son of Poitrel, one of Australia’s stoutest performers across the flat of a few years ago. CANTERBURY ITEMS NO \vORK ON THE TRACKS. ROYAL LIMOND RETURNS. PUNCHESTOWN IMPROVING. •NOTES BY THE ROOK. Christchurch, June 15. We have had shocking weather all the week. Snow began to fall last Saturday evening, and by Sunday morning there were two inches covering the ground in the city, but at the racecourse things were worse there, for on Tuesday morning four inches of frozen snow covered the tracks. Needless to say work was impossible all the week, and there are still patches of snow to be seen all over the course. The fact that horses could not work since last Saturday, and could not be exercised on the roads with safety caused a number of trainers to cancel their Timaru engagements. Others went down to Washdyke by float or train on Thursday and yesterday, they having been told that the tracks down there were fit to gallop on. Rebel Chief did not wait at Ellerslie for the third day of the Great Northern meeting. Galloping the reverse way did not suit him. He kept chopping and changing his stride. His owner-trainer decided to run him a second time to see if the chestnut gelding would act better, but the result was the same, so he brought his speedy horse home at once, arriving here at the end of the week. Rebel Chief looks all the better for the trip. Rasouli and Royal Limond arrived home on Wednesday morning, with neither of them any the worse for their racing in the heavy ground at Ellerslie. Royal Limond won the Great Northern Steeplechase very comfortably. D. O’Connor says he was a winner at any stage of the last circuit, and that wlzm called upon to go away from London and Wee Pat, the brown gelding strolled away with little bother. O’Connor says it was all bosh theztales that were put on paper of his having to slog, slog, slog all the «vay. z The only time he hit Royal Limond was going into the water jump. As for tearing the gelding’s flanks during the race, he was wearing dummies, which were examined by the stipendiary steward, Mr Gomer, prior to the race, and approved by him. O’Connor thought that Royal Limond would win the steeplechase on the last day of the meeting, but the going being much wetter than on the middle day, the old gelding slipped about dangerously on the hills. All going well Royal Limond’s next appearance will be in the Wellington Steeplechase. -Many visitors to Ellerslie came away with the opinion that Master Musk is the makings of a good class hurdler. His rider on the last day was not in a fit state to do Master Musk justice. He had a fall earlier in the meeting and one of his arms was almost useless and very painful. That his owner considers Master Musk to be some good was shown when a would-be buyer asked him to put a price on the gelding. The reply that 500gns would buy the gelding finished the would-be buyer’s desire to become his owner. H. Rama did not come from Ellerslie with Rasouli and Royal Limond. It was said that he was waiting at Ellerslie for a suitable boat, and at the same time watching Free Air to see if she got over her soreness. He was expected home this morning with the horses, so it looks as if he has for the present given up the idea of taking a team across the Tasman. If he intends waiting until Free Air gets over her soreness before making the trip he may never go, for the mare is always a scratchy mover and would give one the idea that her soreness is chronic. Sore or not she is more than useful either on the flat or over jumps when the sting is out of the ground. I Visitors to the Te Kuiti and Auckland meetings came home satisfied that Silver Brier has filled out into a nice mare since she went north, and that 1

she is more than useful, She won a race at the Te Kuiti' meeting, and in her two starts at Ellerslie finished fourth and fifth in large fields. In her last race she ‘was off the course all the way. With a better passage on either day at Ellerslie she would at least have been in the money. She may be en- . tered at the Wellington R.C. Winter meeting, where she would race well as she is good in heavy ground, and can stay fairly well. Gay Crest was decidedly lame about a week ago, but he threw it off so T. Lloyd decided to race him at Timaru. He sent him off by float two days ago so that he might get a gallop before racing. The handsome old chestnut did well to get second to Hunting Go after a week of idleness. ’ . Polydora was allowed to drop out of the Hurdle Race at Timaru on account of the snow stopping her work. Present intentions are to take her down to contest the hurdle race at Ashburton - next Saturday. ' Joyous and Glowlight were accepted for at Timaru, but their owner decided to cancel their engagements as they had not done any work during the week. On the face of it it looked like a waste of good money to take Glowlight down, he not having been worked for he is at the best a -very lazy worker, also a gross feeder. Invoice accompanied Gay Crest to Timaru. He would not be nearly at • his best to-day qs he has not been up long, and besides has a week’s holiday. Hunting Go was well supported here to-day for the handicap at Timaru. At his best when the sting is out of the ground, and not having been stopped in his work as long as the Riccarton trained horses, he looked a rather good bet. Word was received yesterday that Warstep had slipped twin foals to 1 Hunting Song and died. What a great : mare she was. Nothing in training ' here now is anything near her class. Dunmure was out in front helping 1 Sunward force the pace in the Hurdles : at Timaru when he hit the second last ■ fence very hard. That was the end of ■ him and he dropped back rapidly. Bert Ellis got a nasty fall with Min- 1 erval after the field, all bunched, had entered the straight in the Prince Edward Handicap. Epris came away from . the rails and Bert sent Minerval along to get up in the gap. Minerval got . on to Epris’ heels and turned a somer- : sault. Bert got out of it with a badly - bruised arm. Minerval was going particularly well when the accident hap- ' pened. Rebel Chief looked a moral a hun- . dred yards from home in the Seadown Handicap. He was out by himself and , apparently going well, when Guarantee put in one of his great bursts of speed ' and beat the chestnut gelding to the winning post. Punchestown is all the better for having had an easy week. It allowed his damaged leg to improve more quickly. He was out doing easy pacing to-day when he looked in the best of health. Royal Limond was also out doing half-pace work. Considering the racing and travelling this gelding has done in the last month, he looks in great order, not having lightened up enough for it to be noticed. TIMARU TROTTING CLUB SIRES’ PRODUCE STAKES. (Per United Press Association.) Timaru, June 17. The Timaru Trotting Club this afternoon confirmed the decision to promote a Sires’ Produce Stakes foi- three-vear-old unhoppled trotters, the first race to be run during the autumn of 1937. The stake will be £5OO, of which £5O will go to the nominator of the sire of the winner. RUGBY FOOTBALL SOUTHLAND UNION. FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. The Management Committee of the Southland Rugby Union met last evening, Mr H. S. Strang (president) presiding over ■ the following members: — Messrs J. L. Oughton, N. R. Brown, H. J Brown, W. Oliver, R. T. Meredith, J. F. Ewart, A. H. Mitchell, T. R. Pryde, R. G. Kitto, A. J. Geddes, A. H. Courtis and L. R. Lopdell. 1 The secretary o£ the New Zealand Union wrote advising that the application of W. J. Cook (Marist) for reinstatement to Rugby Union had been declined, it being explained that Cook had been once before reinstated, in 1925. The Collegiate Club advised having withdrawn its fifth grade team from I the competition. It was decided to cancel results of all games in which the Collegiate team had i participated. The secretary of the Eastern SubUnion wrote requesting the arranging ; of a return Town-Eastern game, to be played at Gore, and asking for a date. On behalf of the selectors Mr Mitchell said that nothing had been arranged as yet, and until the selectors had met he could not say what date would be suitable. ; It was decided to request the selectors ' to submit a programme to the next meeting and then hdvise Eastern of a date. ■ The secretary of the Western SubUnion wrote advising acceptance of July 24 as the date of the Sports Trust ; Cup challenge game. He also advised ■ that Mr C. Cassels, of Riverton, had ■ donated a shield for competition between Western District and Invercar- ■ gill junior teams, the first game to be : played at Riverton. The writer suggested that third grade teams be permitted to compete for the trophy. “Don’t you think these cups and ■ shields are becoming a bit of a bur- ■ den?” asked Mr Oliver. “We’ve got too i many already.” It was decided to refer the matter to Mr Lopdell to make inquiries about the weights of the country players likely to compete before arriving at a decision. D. M. Findlay (Gorge Road) was granted a transfer to the Star Club and E. W. Jarvis (High School) was granted a re-grade.

Applications from, members of the Collegiate Club for transfers were referred to the chairman of the regrading committee to deal with. It was decided to send a letter of congratulation to N. A. Mitchell on his inclusion in the 1935 All Black team, and one to L. George on his success in the All Black trials. The chairman also extended his congratulations to Mr and Mrs Mitchell. Fixtures for Saturday. The fixtures for Saturday are as follows:— , Senior. —Invercargill v. Star, at Rugby Park at 2.45 p.m.; Marist y. Old Boys, at Rugby Park at 2 p.m.; Pirates a bye. Second grade.—Bluff v. Star, at Bluff at 2.45 p.m.; Invercargill v. Old Boys, at Queen’s Park No. 2 at 2.30 p.m.; Pirates v. Marist, at Biggar Street No. 4 at 3 p.m. Third grade.—Clifton v. Pirates, at Clifton at 2.45 p.m.; Borstal v. School, at Rugby Park at 1.15 p.m.; Star v. Rimu, at Kennington at 2.45 p.m.; Invercargill v. Woodlands, at Biggar Street No. 2 at 2.45 p.m. Fourth grade.—Technical v. Bluff, at Biggar Street No. 1 at 2.30 p.m.; Clifton v. Invercargill, at Biggar Street No. 3 at 3 p.m.; Collegiate v. Marist, at Queen’s Park No. 1 at 2, p.m.; Old Boys v. School, at School No’ 1 at 2.15 p.m.; Star v. Pirates, at Biggar Street No. 3 at 1.30 p.m. Fifth grade.—Marist v. Pirates, at Tweed Street at 3 p.m.; School v. Invercargill, at School No. 2 at 2 p.m.; Technical, a bye. ALL BLACK TRIAL. NO SERIOUS INJURIES SUSTAINED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 17. Several players were injured in the trial match on Saturday but nothing of , a serious nature occurred. Ball, who was carried off on a stretcher, recovered in the ambulance room while Sadlier, an emergency, had an ankle bruised when a temporary stand collapsed. ALL BLACK TEAM. NO FORWARDS FROM SOUTHLAND. The inability of any fortvard from Southland to secure a place in the All Black team will be regarded with surprise by those who know that for years past Southland has produced packs of forwards that have not been inferior to those of any other district not only for honest, hard scrummaging work, but also for skill in loose play (comments the Otago Daily Times in an editorial). If there are sixteen better forwards in New Zealand than any one who might have been chosen from Southland, it must be concluded that the selectors have been able to secure a very powerful combination in this department of the game. The fact, again, that Auckland and Wellington provide between them all the half-backs and five-eighths in the team —four of them from Wellington—seems to suggest that the ability on the part of players to fill these positions is centred in these two districts, and it is to be apprehended that any assumption of that nature is likely to be strongly challenged by some authorities on the game. CENTRAL SUB-UNION. MEETING OF DELEGATES. (From Our Correspondent.) At a meeting of the executive committee of the Central District Rugby Sub-Union at Winton on Friday evening, the president, Mr W. G. Clark, presided over the following delegates: Messrs Reid and Phillips (Limehills), Mitchell and McLeod (Drummond), R. Hardy and Hinkley (Central Star), R. S. Balch and W. Balch (Winton), Cocker and Clark (Ryal Bush) and W. Moylan (referees). The chairman referred to the death since the last meeting of Mr Ralph McDonald, a past president of the subunion, and it was decided that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs McDonald. Regrades from senior to junior were granted the following: J. B. Sparkes (Dipton), R. Roscoe (Limehills) and P. N. Giles (Dipton). Transfers were granted as follows: D. Chilton, Drummond to Winton; A. Lyon, Balfour to Drummond; E. Johnstone, Drummond to Winton. The secretary of the Southland Referees’ Association wrote advising that it had been reported that the grounds at Mabel Bush were insufficiently marked, and asked that the matter be taken up with those responsible. The secretary’s action in drawing the attention of the Mabel Bush Club to the complaint was approved. A letter was received from the Southland Ploughing Match Association stating that it was understood that the Central Sub-Union had an application for two matches on the occasion of the ploughing match fixture at Branxholme on July 6. The committee of the Ploughing Match Association was very emphatic that from its own point of view two matches on the one day would be a very serious mistake and that they would adversely affect the gate for* the ploughing match. The writer was sure that the Central SubUnion would bear in mind that the day was primarily a ploughing match day, but if there was just the one Rugby match, as usual, commencing at 2.30 p.m., it would not in any way detract from the ploughing match and it, was believed that it would be of some considerable advantage to the Central Union. The sub-union was asked to give serious consideration to the Ploughing Match Association’s requests and decide op having only the one Rugby game. The chairman stated that he had informed the Southern representatives at Invercargill on June 3 that it would be possible to play only cne match. It was mentioned that Southern had been drawn to play Northern for the Sports ? Trust Cup on July 6, and it was decided

to communicate with the Southern SubUnion immediately to ascertain whether Southern could fulfil the senior engagement with Central on ..hat date or not The secretary of the Southland Rugby " Union advised that either July 31 or August 7 had been set down as the dates for Central’s challenge for the Sports Trust Cup. It was decided that July 31 be accepted. The Limehills Club wrote claiming the Winton—Limehills senior match as the Winton team had played two Drummond .nen. It was explained by the chairman that h had granted the transfers subject to the confirmation of that evening’s meeting. The clearances and applications of the two men concerned had been in order before they had been permitted to play for the Winton Club It was decided that the* protest be dismissed. The sum of 10/-, the protest fee, was refunded to the Limehills Club. A second protest from Limehills claiming the Limehills —Drummond junior match, as the Drummond Club had played a man alleged to be of senior status, was withdrawn by the Limehills delegates. Mr R. S. Balch was appointed manager of the Central team to travel to Otautau on Saturday, Mr S. G. Mitchell, manager of the Central team, to ' travel to Makarewa on ploughing match day, and Mr W. G. Clark manager of the team to travel to Drummond to meet Western. Members referred in appreciative terms to the efforts of the Southland Rugby Union, on the occasion of the Country Day fixtures, and it was decided- to forward a letter to the Southland Union thanking its members for their efforts on behalf of country players. < BAIRD CUP MATCH. CENTRAL TEAM CHOSEN. (From Our Correspondent.) The following team has been chosen , by the selectors (Messrs J. Forde and O. Cairns) to represent the Central District (challengers) for the Baird Cup against Western (holders) at Otautau on Saturday next.— Full-back.—R. Robb (Central Star). Three-quarters.—R. Thornbury (Central Star), Jolly (Limehills), G. South (Central Star). Five-eighths.—N. Pierce, captain (Winton), V. Driscoll (Winton). Half-back.—C. Calder (Winton). Front Row.—R. Walker (Limehills), Chilton (Winton), G. McLeod (Central Star). Middle Row.—J. Murphy (Winton), I. McDougall (Winton). Back Row. —W. Burke (Limehills), J. McDonald (Winton), Crengle (Mabel Bush). Emergencies.—Robertson (Mabel Bush), E. Robertson (Winton), R. Souness (Winton), Watson (Winton), Mason (Winton), F. Casey (Limehills). WESTERN DISTRICT. (From Our Correspondent.)

The senior match in the Western District competition, Ohai v. Otautau, was played on the Otautau recreation ground on Saturday, in the presence of a fair number of spectators, who were treated to an interesting display of the game. The result was a win for the local team by 16 points to 3. The weather conditions were good, but the ground was a little greasy. The visitors fielded 14 men until within ten minutes of the final whistle, when Nicol came on. Buxton turned out for Otautau and played with his old brilliance and dash. He connected well with Chisholm, and Brick excelled in the lineouts, and with Whitehead made able leaders. The first score for Otautau came from a scrum, Buxton jinking over for a try, which Whitehead converted. The next was registered from a good passing rush, in which Chilton scored, and again Whitehead converted. The same player was responsible for the addition of another three points. T, Bates scored a pretty try from a blind side movement by Buxton, but the kick at goal failed to add the major points. Otautau beat their opponents for the ball in the scrum on practically every occasion. The three points for Ohai were scored by Harding from a melee. Collie played exceptionally well as full-back for Otautau, and Chisholm and Buxton were also outstanding in the back division. All the forwards played well. Gilbert and Wilson showed up well for Ohai in the backs and Harding brothers in the forwards. Mr D. C. McCrostie controlled the game.

NORTHERN DISTRICT. JUNIOR COMPETITION. (From Our Correspondent.) On Saturday afternoon the Balfour and Waikaia junior fifteens met on the local grounds, and the draw which resulted leaves the local team in an unassailable position as winners of the competition. Last year’s winners have only one more match to play, with Country Pirates, and so far have not been beaten this season. Had the visitors been able to finish off movements, which looked promising more than once, the Reds would have been forced to lower their colours, but a better understanding and solid defence helped them to hold the Blues to a drawn finish. Waikaia fielded a solid team, while the local team had to find emergencies to replace a number of their regular players who were filling vacancies in the senior ranks. Waikaia attacked from the kick-off and in the first'few minutes Gilkisoncrossed for a good try which Cavanagh failed to convert. Reds took a turn at attacking; Hoffman eventually getting across after a good run. Greer’s kick at goal went wide. In the second spell, first one side, then the other, attacked strongly and force-downs were frequent, but neither side was able to add to its score, and the game ■ ended three—all. Were the teams: • Waikaia (Blue).—Backs: Cavanagh, J. Richards, Evans, Stirling, Brosnan? Colhns, Dawson. Forwards: H. Richards, Deans, Johnston, Gilkison, Dennis 7n P n’ McDonald, Lawrence. Balfour (Red).—Backs: A. Lamb, McGregor W Greer, Joyce, F. Greer, D. Lamb, G. Rutter. Forwards: W. Rutter, Robb Cowie, McMath, Pringle, Hoffman, G. Davis, t S. Davis. Mr G. Martin was ref- . eree. MATCHES AT LUMSDEN. BALFOUR SENIORS DEFEATED (From Our Correspondent.) Three football matches were played ! , at the Lumsden recreation grounds on Saturday. The first grade team met and defeated Balfour by 22 points to 6. The home side showed superiority from the outset and had much the better of the game throughout. The team have shown improved form since the second round commenced and it is quite possible that they will upset the calculations of the leading teams.before the competition is completed. The second grade team met Country ' Pirates and the' result was a win for Lumsden by 17 points to 6. The Lumsden school team met Balfour and the result was a draw, each side securing three points. The matches were played in fine weather and were witnessed by a large number of spectators. The . display of * the school teams was favourably com-

mented on. The Lumsden boys have greatly improved since last year, which ’ should help to make the competition more interesting.